Buddha Shakyamuni – The Historical Buddha
See it in the Museum
Reception desk
Orientation 3
Display 1
ABS 351
Code: ABS 351
Country: Tibet
Style:
Date: 1400 - 1500
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 8.3 x 11.2 x 6
Materials: Gilt Silver and Gilt Copper
Buddha Shakyamuni
The Buddha is seated in the diamond attitude (vajraparyankasana). He rests his left hand in his lap and extents the right hand in the gesture of touching the earth (bhumisparsha-mudra). With this gesture, the historical Buddha Shakyamuni “takes the earth as a witness” of his victory over his inner demons of doubt, the mara.
The upper monastic garment (uttarasanga) covers only the left shoulder and is draped without folds.
This depiction of the historical Buddha reminds us also of the place of his awakening (enlightenment). Bodhgaya in northern India subsequently became the destination of Buddhist pilgrimages to the "eight holy places" (astamahasthana).
When the Buddha sits on a pedestal decorated with a vajra emblem, he is called “Buddha Vajrasana”.
The Buddha is seated in the diamond attitude (vajraparyankasana). He rests his left hand in his lap and extents the right hand in the gesture of touching the earth (bhumisparsha-mudra). With this gesture, the historical Buddha Shakyamuni “takes the earth as a witness” of his victory over his inner demons of doubt, the mara.
The upper monastic garment (uttarasanga) covers only the left shoulder and is draped without folds.
This depiction of the historical Buddha reminds us also of the place of his awakening (enlightenment). Bodhgaya in northern India subsequently became the destination of Buddhist pilgrimages to the "eight holy places" (astamahasthana).
When the Buddha sits on a pedestal decorated with a vajra emblem, he is called “Buddha Vajrasana”.